Solid US retail sales boost economic outlookReutersU.S. retail sales rose solidly in November, adding to signs of a strengthening economy that could draw the Federal Reserve closer to reducing the pace of monetary stimulus. The upbeat picture was clouded somewhat by other data on showing the biggest jump in a year in first-time claims for jobless benefits. Economists, however, largely dismissed that report as skewed by a late Thanksgiving and other factors.

Kohl's named a top retailer by national studyThe Business JournalKohl's Corp. has been named one of the top fashion retailers in an annual study released by consulting firm Market Force Information. Menomonee Falls, Wis.-based Kohl's came in second to Nordstrom for favorite retailer in a survey of nearly 7,000 shoppers. Kohl's received the most votes in the survey, but Market Force ranked it second when adjusting for the number of stores each retailer has.

What lies ahead: Predicting what's in store for retail in 2014STORES MagazineMaking predictions about the future of retail can be tricky. Five years ago how many people thought shoppers would pay for their morning java using a smartphone? Who among us could have foreseen that shoppers would buy an item from an established main street retailer in the afternoon and pick it up the next morning at the local supermarket? And did anyone expect women to embrace the idea of renting a designer dress for a special occasion — or that designers would actually back the premise?

Lucky Brand apparel sold to Leonard Green for $225 millionThe New York TimesMid- to high-end fashion brands are finding themselves as acquisition targets. In the latest deal, the private equity firm Leonard Green & Partners agreed to buy Lucky Brand Jeans from the Fifth & Pacific Companies, the clothier formerly known as Liz Claiborne, for about $225 million.

Minnesota's Eden Prairie mall sold for $100 millionStar TribuneEden Prairie Center in Eden Prairie, Minn., has been sold for $100 million. The 1.1-million-square-foot, two-level mall with more than 100 stores was been sold by owner General Growth to an entity related to Cypress ­Equities of Dallas, according to real estate documents filed late last week in Hennepin County.

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5 LEED tips for existing buildingsBy Becky Bicks Over the past several years, the world has seen a shift toward green thinking. One change that has come with this new sense of environmental friendliness is the creation of structures that use fewer resources and dispel fewer emissions than previously constructed buildings. If you have an existing building that you'd like to see earn a LEED score, then check out this list of five important tips to help make your building more energy efficient and better for the Earth.

Home Depot expects 8 new stores, 5 percent sales growth in fiscal 2014Chain Store AgeThe Home Depot plans to open new eight new stores and increase sales by approximately 5 percent during fiscal 2014. The retailer released guidance for both fiscal 2013 and 2014 on Dec. 10. For fiscal 2013, Home Depot has reaffirmed guidance of 5.6 percent sales growth and 7 percent same-store sales growth.

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Retailers fine-tune store music to reflect brand, make you want to shopThe Wall Street JournalIt is the factor that can keep shoppers happily browsing in the store for hours—or drive them out the door in a huff. Retailers are fine-tuning their stores' playlists as they wake up to the power of music to communicate a brand message and put shoppers in the mood to spend. One shopper's favorite song can make another shopper cringe.

Office Depot picks Florida over Illinois for new headquartersChicago TribuneOffice Depot said it has chosen Boca Raton, Fla. for its new headquarters over Naperville. Office Depot completed its merger with Naperville, Ill.-based OfficeMax last month, but the pair hadn't yet announced where the combined company would be based.

Walmart promotes Cheesewright to CEO of International Unit (1)Bloomberg BusinessweekWal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, promoted David Cheesewright to president and chief executive officer of the international business as it struggles to ignite growth. Cheesewright, 51, currently serves as president and CEO of the retailer's Europe, Middle East and Africa and Canada regions, the Bentonville, Ark.-based company said in a statement.

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